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Five Night Fjords

Visits Fred’s Favourite Fjords aboard the Fred Olsen Balmoral. You will sail straight into the heart of Norway’s incredible fjordland in just a fraction of the time it would take from a southern departure port and enjoy as many fantastic ports of call and journeys through mesmerising fjords that we could possibly cram into a 5-night cruise.

Special Offer! Free All Inclusive Drinks Package – Limited Time

This cruise is available departing Newcastle on 3rd May or departing Edinburgh 26th May.

Although short, this fjordland adventure will be a rewarding experience; packed with awe-inspiring sights and experiences from beginning to end. You’ll enjoy scenic cruising of some of the most spectacular fjords aboardBalmoraland visit two beautiful, contrasting destinations in less than a week – made possible by your northern departure port’s convenient proximity to Norway.

A glide along the glassy waters of the Lysefjord will ensure an unforgettable start to your time in the fjords, passing by the idyllic waterway’s dramatic cliffs, majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls – unspoilt scenery not often seen by those on larger cruise ships. A full day in vibrant Bergen follows, affording time to take in the city’s highlights including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, the bustling fish market and the Troldhaugen Museum – the former home of world-renowned composer Edvard Grieg. Not to be missed is the chance to climb Mount Fløyen via the funicular railway and enjoy views of the city’s scenic surroundings from 320 metres above sea level. Alternatively you could experience ‘Norway in a nutshell’, with opportunities to see the breathtaking Tvinde Waterfall; ride the famous Flåmsbana Railway; and much more on an incredible tour into nearby fjords.

Your ship will sail deep into Hardangerfjord – Norway’s second longest fjord – all the way to Eidfjord, a charming village encompassed by some of the fjordland’s most astonishing mountainous landscapes. You could take the chance to kayak on the still waters of Hardangerfjord and marvel at the sheer scale of the soaring peaks from a different perspective; or venture to the tumbling Vøringfoss Waterfall. For a true taste of the Hardangerfjord – often called ‘the Orchard of Norway’ – you can visit a local juice and cider farm and sample a few of the latest brews. After a return journey along HardangerfjordBalmoralwill head back to the UK, but not before diverting into Maurangerfjord to present you with a glimpse of the cascading Furebergfossen Waterfall – yet another incredible natural wonder not usually discovered on board larger vessels.

Flight Times:

OUTBOUND 3rd May

Dublin 09:50 Newcastle 11:05

RETURN 8th May

Newcastle 11:35 Dublin 12:50

OUTBOUND 26th May

Dublin 09:55 Edinburgh 11:10

RETURN 31st May

Edinburgh 14:45 Dublin 15:50

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Newcastle or Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Depart Late PM

Following a flight from Dublin to Newcastle (3rd May) or Edinburgh (26th May), you will be transferred to the port to board the Fred. Olsen Balmoral where you will begin your journey.

Day 2:Cruising Lysefjord (Pulpit & Kjerag Boulder):

Experience an unforgettable scenic cruise along the beautiful Lysefjord, a size-restricted waterway carved 40 Kilometres into Norway’s breathtaking west coast.

The Lysefjord is a stunning example of the Norwegian fjords’ spectacular natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago, Lysefjord is lined by magnificent mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high into the unpolluted skies above. In some sections of the fjord the water is as deep as the mountains are high, however at the shallowest point the water depth drops to just 13 metres. This means only small ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet can cruise the Lysefjord.

Sailing along the glassy waters on board a smaller cruise ship is without doubt the best way to take in the fjord’s eclectic sights. Lookout for tumbling waterfalls, wonderful wildlife and pretty settlements dotted along the shores; and marvel at the sight of the impressive Lysefjordbrua suspension bridge as so you sail into the fjord. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices. If you’re very lucky you may hear the gunshot-like bang of Kjeragsmellet – an unexplained natural phenomenon that’s particularly prominent in the winter months.

Day 3: Bergen, Norway: Arrive Early AM to Late Night

The Hanseatic city of Bergen has many attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, with its colourful timbered houses and cobbled streets; a vibrant fish market; and the Troldhaugen Museum, the former home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg.

Bergen was one of the great Hanseatic ports, and this maritime heritage is recalled by the 900-year-old Bryggen Wharf, with its splendid museum. The wharf is a delight to explore: its narrow streets climb away from the waterfront, lined by interesting shops, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled stairways, with alleyways and tiny open spaces that beg to be explored. In summer months every spare corner seems to be filled with pots and containers overflowing with colourful flowers that fill the air with perfume.

Bergen is framed by seven magnificent hills, the highest of which can be reached by a funicular railway. From the top there are spectacular views down to the harbourside, where cafés, bars and restaurants welcome visitors from around the world. Bergen was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and the Troldhaugen is a museum devoted to his life and work, including an exhibition centre, shop and café.

Eidfjord is a picturesque village set within the breathtaking Hardangerfjord. It’s a gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular highlights, including the Hardangervidda Nature Centre and the Voringfossen Waterfall.

Eidfjord could quite possibly be the most excruciatingly beautiful place in the fjords. Set amongst a back-drop of soaring mountains, engraved with rivers and waterfalls running deep through the villages below, you will not be cheated for photo ops. There is a very tranquil feel to Eidfjord, the lush gardens and fields run for miles, meandering through clusters of wood-slat homes in ice-cream hues.

There are two churches here, one of which can be dated back to 1309, with many crumbling and historic graves and wonderful shrub-land to be explored. Look out for the train as it trundles through the lanes, with visitors perched in its carriages peering out at the snow-sprinkled peaks. This is a great way to discover pockets of Eidfjord you may not have otherwise known were there, with chances to hop on and off to get right in the thick of it.

For those keen sports enthusiasts, kayaking down the fjords is a must-do. With the mountains flanking you on both sides and the open-water stretching as far as the eye can see, you will not find a more dramatic backdrop. Alternatively, grab your camera and head for the infamous Voringfossen waterfall, a tumbling natural beauty set deep in the mountains of Måbødalen Valley.

Experience the breathtaking landscape of Hardangerfjord. Known as the queen of the Fjord, Hardangerfjord is situated centrally in the heart of Western Norway. The best way to experience this incredible Fjord is to sail along the 197 kilomteres, enjoying the spellbinding scenery, towering mountains, waterfalls and idyllic orchards.

Cruise along the Maurangerfjord, gliding past the pretty Furebergfossen Waterfall for wonderful views and great photo opportunities.

Maurangerfjord is a fjord in the municipality Kvinnherad in Hordaland, Norway. It is a 12 km long branch of the Hardangerfjord. The inner end of the fjord branches into Nordrepollen and Austrepollen. The Mauranger Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Austrepollen.

Day 5:At Sea

Day 6:Newcastle or Edinburgh, UK: Arrive Early AM

Once you have disembarked the Balmoral and finished your wonderful adventure we will have you transferred to the airport to get your flight back to Dublin.

Balmoral

Balmoral is the largest and newest cruise ship, named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family. Still smaller than most cruise ships today, there are 710 cabins and suites and generous public space for the 1,300 guests on board.

The main restaurant is Ballindalloch (named after the Speyside village and castle), while the two other formal restaurants – Avon and Spey – are also in keeping with the Scottish theme and are named after two of Scotland’s most beautiful salmon rivers.

There’s a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, cabaret and shows in the Neptune Lounge, or drift away with a cool drink and spectacular seascapes in the Observatory Lounge.